To most people, the news of Roy Williams’ retirement on April 1 seemed like an April Fool’s Day joke.
But upon further inspection, the news that UNC’s Hall of Fame coach is retiring was legitimate. People quickly took to social media to react to the news and reflect upon Williams’ legendary career in college basketball.
Basketball analyst Jeff Goodman from Stadium took to Twitter to clarify that this was not an April Fool’s joke.
This is NOT an April’s Fools joke.
Roy Williams has retired. https://t.co/AhpFjZevkc
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 1, 2021
Several people chimed in to list of Williams’ many accomplishments, both at UNC and Kansas. Williams won three national championships as a head coach in2005, 2009 and 2017 — all with the Tar Heels.
Just SOME of Roy Williams’ accomplishments 🐐
• Second-winningest coach in UNC history & third in Kansas history
• Only coach in history with 400 wins at two schools
• Led UNC to three NCAA titles (2005, 2009, 2017)
• Third to take teams to NCAA Tournament at least 30 times— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 1, 2021
Hard to overstate Roy Williams' importance to UNC. He saved the program. 3 rings while humbly and comfortably being in his mentor's shadow. Adjusted to CBB trends well (esp for his age.) A great ambassador for the school and was extremely generous and gracious to all other sports
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) April 1, 2021
Roy Williams has been a credit to the profession, and one of the truly great coaches of all-time, in any sport. Williams is also a wonderful person. Congratulations on a magnificent career, and thank you. pic.twitter.com/kt8AUzo9zS
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) April 1, 2021
Other college basketball programs around the country also expressed their support. UNC’s arch-rival Duke even took to social media to congratulate Williams on his retirement. The UNC-Duke games under Williams and Mike Kryzewski were must-watch television.
Salute to UNC Head Coach Roy Williams on a legendary 48-year career. All respect. Thank you for all you have done for the game, our league and the greatest rivalry in sports. 🤝
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 1, 2021
Congrats to Roy Williams on a hall of fame coaching career. All the best. pic.twitter.com/BdxB4oeQcu
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) April 1, 2021
Darren Rovell from The Action Network posted a photo of Williams at his first coaching job at Charles D. Owens High School in Swannanoa — the start of a legendary coaching career that would eventually come to an end in Chapel Hill. Did you know he was also the school’s golf coach?
Roy Williams first coaching job was at Charles D . Owen High School in Swannanoa, N.C. in the fall of 1973.
Here's a picture taken with the stars of his team before his first game.
He was also the school's golf coach.
Quite a career trajectory…. pic.twitter.com/VoixaAFJBa
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 1, 2021
Current and former UNC basketball players took to social media as well to express their reaction to the news.
One hell of a career and even better person! Thank you for everything coach truly a honor playing for you!❤️ https://t.co/IEMritlFwG
— Theo pinson (@tpinsonn) April 1, 2021
Gonna miss you my guy pic.twitter.com/ht0RYoD7nN
— Armando Bacot Jr. (@iget_buckets35) April 1, 2021
Thank you for everything Coach Williams 🖤.
— Garrison O. Brooks (@__garro) April 1, 2021
Wow 💔
— Cole Anthony (@The_ColeAnthony) April 1, 2021
Can’t thank this man enough for what he did for me! Allowed me to live out my dream!! A legend https://t.co/jLD7WY6no8
— Kenny Williams III (@KWill_24) April 1, 2021
View this post on Instagram
Finally, the biggest name in basketball history, Michael Jordan, spoke with the Charlotte Observer about Williams’ retirement and his favorite memories with the Hall of Fame coach.
Observer Exclusive: UNC legend and Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan discusses Roy Williams’ retirement. His favorite Williams memories had nothing to do with basketball. https://t.co/S8Ol519o1V
— The Charlotte Observer (@theobserver) April 1, 2021
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.
Comments on Chapelboro are moderated according to our Community Guidelines